Artist’s Statement:
My name is Phineas Hartson-Matautia. I am a proud Samoan man born in the west and
in my songs and dance piece I incorporate both influences. I am a member of
many groups; I am Samoan, I am a New Zealander, I am an Australian, I am Fa'afafine. In my
pieces I illustrate what it is like for myself to be a
Fa'afafine born in the west, member of both, yet
still holding on to my unique individuality.
I incorporate the male and
female dance of Samoa which both illustrate a combination of grace and
energy. Within my performance piece I
use the blend of music (western and traditional) and Samoan dance which can be
performed by either male or female in the form of (Taualuga)
as a metaphor of the blurred line of sex and sexuality which exists in life for
myself as a Fa'afafine man.
My performance piece
attempts to show who I am; A fusion of both cultures Samoa and the west
influenced by both neither can be isolated both merged intertwined within me
and part of my work.